Pakistani Astronaut to make history as first foreign visitor to China’s Space Station

Long March 2F rocket on a blue launch pad at night ahead of a historic mission to China’s Space Station.
A Long March rocket stands ready on the launchpad before carrying the first Pakistani astronaut to Tiangong.
Hafiza Almas Manahil | Published November 12, 2026 09:58 AM | Updated at November 12, 2026 10:26 AM
Web Desk: Pakistan is set to achieve a major milestone in space exploration as a Pakistani astronaut will become the first foreign national to visit the China space station under a historic joint mission between the two countries.

The announcement was made by the Chinese Embassy as Pakistan and China celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The Pakistan China space mission will be the first in the history of China’s manned space programme to include both Chinese and foreign astronauts.

According to the Chinese Embassy, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said the development would open a new chapter in bilateral relations and strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The historic visit will also mark an important achievement for Pakistan space exploration, giving the country a significant place in international space cooperation.

Pakistan and China Expand Space Cooperation

The embassy said the Pakistani astronaut’s visit to the China space station would bring the people of both countries closer and create new opportunities for scientific research and technological development.

The Pakistan China space mission is also expected to strengthen cooperation in advanced science and space technology.

The two countries have maintained close diplomatic, economic and strategic relations for decades, and their partnership is now expanding into space exploration.

The Chinese Embassy described the development as a shared journey in space, connecting 75 years of friendship with future scientific achievements.

Read Also: Pakistan plans to send its first astronaut into Space

Two Pakistani Astronaut Candidates Introduced

The Chinese Embassy has also released pictures of two Pakistani astronaut candidates, bringing further attention to preparations for the historic mission.

The announcement has created interest in Pakistan space exploration, particularly among young people who want to pursue careers in science, engineering and astronomy.

However, the embassy has not provided further details about the final astronaut selection, launch date or mission schedule.

The selection of a Pakistani astronaut for the China space station will be an important step in the country's participation in international human spaceflight activities.

A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Space Programme

The China manned space programme is now opening its doors to foreign participation through this joint mission.

The development could also create opportunities for future collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese scientists, researchers and space professionals.

The Pakistan China space mission is expected to encourage young people to take greater interest in scientific education and advanced technology.

The China manned space programme could also provide a platform for further cooperation in astronaut training, scientific experiments and space-related research.

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